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![Profile Evaluation [Low GPA]](/forum/styles/gmatclub_light/imageset/icon_post_target_unread.svg "Profile Evaluation [Low GPA]"){kind=icon}
02 Mar 2016, 08:24
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hey everyone,
I am thinking of applying to b-school in 2017. A few questions popped into my mind when I started my dive into the admissions process. I'd first present my context and then follow that up with my questions.
I have a 3.1 GPA in my undergrad [from the top business school in Pakistan] and a 750 [Q49,V42,IR8] on my GMAT. When I was entering college, my family ran into financial difficulties and I worked [freelanced as a web developer] throughout my undergrad years to support them [I was the sole bread winner] as well as to pay for my college. During undergrad, my performance on quant courses was better than my overall performance [Average GPA of around 3.4 in such courses]. My GPA remained relatively stable over the eight semesters [no significant upward/downward trend].
Right out of college, I started my own business [with a couple of partners]. We work with technology startups [out of US and Europe] and help them build mobile & web applications. It's a ~15 person team right now that we have built from scratch. I am responsible for recruitment and business development in this operation. My WE would be 3 years at the time of sending in the applications.
I have always been interested in technology [ever since I was 9] and everything significant that I have done in my life has revolved around that. I think I have a strong narrative for my essay in that regardd. I don't have any significant volunteer work to write about.
Post-MBA I am looking to go back to my business. Primary aim of attending b-school would be to build my network. I can elaborate on this if needed. My top 2 choices are Stanford and Haas given their proximity to the valley.
I have a few questions for the insightful GMATClub community,
- How much would the low GPA hurt me? Should I mention my extenuating circumstance [described above] in my essay?
- Should I retake the GMAT with an aim of scoring a 770-780? I actually consistently scored 770 on my mock exams but caved a little under pressure on test day.
- What would be good target schools for me?
- Since I don't have any direct supervisors, which people should I target for my LoRs? The people who have been working with me the longest are my partners. Is it ok to get one of my recommendations written by them?
Thanks for reading through
Looking forward to your feedback!
I am thinking of applying to b-school in 2017. A few questions popped into my mind when I started my dive into the admissions process. I'd first present my context and then follow that up with my questions.
I have a 3.1 GPA in my undergrad [from the top business school in Pakistan] and a 750 [Q49,V42,IR8] on my GMAT. When I was entering college, my family ran into financial difficulties and I worked [freelanced as a web developer] throughout my undergrad years to support them [I was the sole bread winner] as well as to pay for my college. During undergrad, my performance on quant courses was better than my overall performance [Average GPA of around 3.4 in such courses]. My GPA remained relatively stable over the eight semesters [no significant upward/downward trend].
Right out of college, I started my own business [with a couple of partners]. We work with technology startups [out of US and Europe] and help them build mobile & web applications. It's a ~15 person team right now that we have built from scratch. I am responsible for recruitment and business development in this operation. My WE would be 3 years at the time of sending in the applications.
I have always been interested in technology [ever since I was 9] and everything significant that I have done in my life has revolved around that. I think I have a strong narrative for my essay in that regardd. I don't have any significant volunteer work to write about.
Post-MBA I am looking to go back to my business. Primary aim of attending b-school would be to build my network. I can elaborate on this if needed. My top 2 choices are Stanford and Haas given their proximity to the valley.
I have a few questions for the insightful GMATClub community,
- How much would the low GPA hurt me? Should I mention my extenuating circumstance [described above] in my essay?
- Should I retake the GMAT with an aim of scoring a 770-780? I actually consistently scored 770 on my mock exams but caved a little under pressure on test day.
- What would be good target schools for me?
- Since I don't have any direct supervisors, which people should I target for my LoRs? The people who have been working with me the longest are my partners. Is it ok to get one of my recommendations written by them?
Thanks for reading through
Looking forward to your feedback! 
greenzie
Joined: 27 Oct 2015
Last visit: 10 Jul 2020
Posts: 186
Given Kudos: 22
Location: Netherlands
Concentration: Healthcare, General Management
Schools: Boston U '18 (D) Olin '18 (A$) Simon '18 (A$)
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
WE:Science (Pharmaceuticals and Biotech)
Products:
02 Mar 2016, 08:38
Kudos
Bookmarks
There is no use for you retaking GMAT. Most people know that there could easily be plus minus 30 points in your score, meaning that an increase of 30 points is not considered significant at all. Just tell the story in optional essay about your low GPA.
03 Mar 2016, 05:43
Kudos
Bookmarks
Thank you for sharing your profile.
You may use the optional essay to discuss your GPA, while also showing how the situation helped develop your character.
750 is a good score, if you are sure you will score higher then it is not a bad idea to do so, but your GMAT score is competitive as it is.
You may also clients, who know you very well as recommenders, professional groups you are involved in, if they can convincingly communicate the personal qualities that will help your profile.
Wish you all the best!
You may use the optional essay to discuss your GPA, while also showing how the situation helped develop your character.
750 is a good score, if you are sure you will score higher then it is not a bad idea to do so, but your GMAT score is competitive as it is.
You may also clients, who know you very well as recommenders, professional groups you are involved in, if they can convincingly communicate the personal qualities that will help your profile.
Wish you all the best!
